WDFW preparing sites to be safe, accessible for public recreation

A partial reopening of outdoor recreation activities began May 5 statewide, with appropriate safety precautions in place. The reopening included fishing, hunting, golfing, and day use at state parks, public lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources, and public lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Events, gatherings, team sports, and camping are still not allowed at this time.

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“If we see a sharp uptake in the number of people who are getting sick or are not following appropriate steps, then we won’t hesitate to scale this back again,” Gov. Jay Inslee said about the reopening. “This is not a return to normal. This is only a beginning phase of relaxing outdoor recreation restrictions.”

The WDFW staff has been working hard to prepare as many public access sites and wildlife areas for visitors as possible before the start date this week.

“I’m happy to do this,” said Dan Dziekan, WDFW access manager, in a video released by the department. “I mean, anything we can do to get the public back out, keep them as safe as we can, happy to do it.”

Staff members from all areas of WDFW have volunteered to help the field staff prepare sites leading up to the May 5 opening. They have cleaned and repaired boat launches and other facilities, many of which have been closed since last fall. The restrooms are sprayed with bleach from top to bottom, which then is left to soak before being rinsed out.

“We don’t hesitate to help each other’s programs out when needed, and right now it’s needed,” said Randy Osborne, fish biologist.

Habitat and fish biologists, like Osborne, have been picking up trash, cleaning parking lots with leaf blowers, and cutting up and removing large trees and limbs that fell in the winter to make the areas safe and accessible.

Access managers across the state, the video said, each have dozens of sites to prepare for the public. Dziekan estimates that many days, he puts more than 300 miles on his truck driving between sites.

“Keep in mind that with so many areas to cover, and many of them in remote locations, not all gates will be unlocked and not all restrooms open right away,” WDFW stated in the video.

Similar to other guidance released by the Department of Natural Resources and state parks, WDFW recommends recreating only with members of your immediate household, and bringing face masks to wear when you can’t avoid getting closer than 6 feet.

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“People want to get outside and recreate, and I can’t blame them,” Dziekan said. “I’ve been cooped up just the same as everybody else. I want to go out and fish.”

Bring sanitizer, toilet paper, and gloves, and pack them out with you and your other trash. If a site is crowded, WDFW suggests choosing another location or coming back on a different day.